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Escarpment: meaning, definitions and examples

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escarpment

 

[ ɪˈskɑːrp.mənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geography

A long, steep slope, especially one at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights.

Synonyms

bluff, cliff, cliff edge, precipice, ridge

Examples of usage

  • The hikers stopped to admire the breathtaking view from the top of the escarpment.
  • The river below flowed rapidly along the base of the escarpment.
  • The city was built on the edge of an ancient escarpment.
  • The escarpment provided a natural barrier between the two regions.
  • The army positioned themselves on the escarpment to have a strategic advantage.

Translations

Translations of the word "escarpment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escarpa

🇮🇳 खड़ी चट्टान

🇩🇪 Steilküste

🇮🇩 tebing curam

🇺🇦 урвище

🇵🇱 skarpa

🇯🇵 崖

🇫🇷 escarpement

🇪🇸 escarpa

🇹🇷 uçurum

🇰🇷 절벽

🇸🇦 جرف

🇨🇿 útes

🇸🇰 útes

🇨🇳 悬崖

🇸🇮 strma pečina

🇮🇸 klettur

🇰🇿 жарқабақ

🇬🇪 ფერდობი

🇦🇿 sıldırım

🇲🇽 escarpa

Etymology

The word 'escarpment' originated from the French word 'escarpement', which came from the Italian 'scarpare' meaning 'to shoe'. In military terminology, an escarpment referred to the defensive slope of a fortified position. Over time, the term evolved to describe any steep slope or cliff, particularly in a geographical context.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,234, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.